Parable of the Dishonest Manager: What Was Jesus Teaching?

What kind of teacher praises a dishonest man for being shrewd? That’s the question many of us ask when we read the parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16. At first glance, Jesus’ words seem confusing — even troubling. Why would He commend someone who manipulates and schemes to secure his future?

This parable is one of Jesus’ most surprising and misunderstood teachings. It challenges how we think about money, trust, and the way we prepare for eternity. In Luke’s Gospel, themes of wealth and discipleship go hand in hand. Again and again, Jesus calls us to use earthly resources with heavenly wisdom.

Although this passage may unsettle us at first, that discomfort is part of the invitation. Jesus is drawing us into something deeper. He wants us to look beyond appearances and see the heart of the lesson.

As we walk through this teaching together, we’ll discover that the parable of the dishonest manager holds vital truths about faithfulness, stewardship, and eternal priorities. Let’s lean in and learn what Jesus really meant.

Scene One: The Manager’s Crisis

In the parable of the dishonest manager, Jesus opens with a troubling scene. A wealthy man receives a report that his manager is wasting his possessions. Right away, the tension builds. The master calls the manager in and says, “What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager” (Luke 16:2, ESV).

This isn’t a gentle warning — it’s a crisis. The manager is being fired. He must now give a full account of everything he’s handled. There’s no trial, no defense, and no denial. He doesn’t argue or make excuses. He knows he’s guilty, and the master’s judgment is final.

In verse 3, we feel the panic set in. “What shall I do?” he asks. He’s not strong enough to dig, and he’s too proud to beg. The clock is ticking, and he’s desperate.

We’ve all had moments where consequences caught up with us. Maybe we’ve misused time, money, or influence. Maybe we’ve ignored the quiet conviction of the Spirit. But eventually, accountability arrives. When it does, our true character shows.

This part of the parable of the dishonest manager forces us to pause. What would we do if God called us to account today? Would we stand with confidence or scramble like this manager?

Jesus begins here for a reason. He wants us to feel the urgency. He wants us to understand that our time, talents, and resources aren’t truly ours—they’re entrusted to us. And one day, each of us will be called to give an account.

That reality may feel heavy, but it’s also hopeful. If we’re still breathing, we still have time to realign our lives. God’s grace doesn’t erase accountability—but it invites us to live wisely and faithfully today.

Scene Two: A Clever Plan

As we continue through the parable of the dishonest manager, we see the steward quickly shift into survival mode. In verses 4 – 7, he devises a bold plan. He says to himself, “I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.”

Without delay, he calls in his master’s debtors. To the first, he says, “How much do you owe my master?” The man replies, “A hundred measures of oil.” The manager tells him, “Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.” Then he slashes another man’s debt from one hundred measures of wheat to eighty.

What’s happening here? Is he stealing again? Some scholars suggest he’s cutting out his own commission—choosing to sacrifice his profit for future goodwill. Others believe he’s reducing the debt unlawfully to win favor. Either way, he acts shrewdly, not out of integrity, but out of urgency and foresight.

In the cultural world of the first century, this would’ve been a major social gesture. In an honor-and-shame society, reducing someone’s debt would earn deep gratitude. It created obligation, respect, and likely future hospitality. He wasn’t just saving himself—he was securing relationships.

This part of the parable of the dishonest manager challenges us. Are we using our influence just to protect our comfort, or to bless others? Do we think about how today’s choices shape eternal outcomes?

Sometimes, we’re so focused on financial return that we forget relational investment. But Jesus is hinting at something greater: earthly resources can build eternal friendships when used with kingdom wisdom. We can’t take wealth with us, but we can impact lives that last forever.

So here’s the question—how are we using what we have right now? Our time, our skills, our finances—they all matter. Let’s be intentional, not just clever. Let’s use what’s temporary to serve what’s eternal.

Jesus’ Surprising Commendation

Verse 8 is the turning point in the parable of the dishonest manager. Here, Jesus delivers a shock: “The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness.” Not for his dishonesty—but for his sharp thinking. That distinction matters.

The Greek word used here is phronimos. It means prudent, sensible, or strategically wise. This manager knew his time was short. He used what little he had left to prepare for the future. Even though his motives weren’t pure, his foresight was commendable.

Jesus then says, “The sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.” In other words, worldly people often plan more carefully for temporary outcomes than believers do for eternal ones.

That’s the sting, isn’t it? We have heavenly hope, but are we managing our lives with eternal strategy? Are we thoughtful, deliberate, and wise with what God has entrusted to us?

The parable of the dishonest manager isn’t a call to dishonesty—it’s a call to spiritual shrewdness. Jesus wants us to be intentional. Not reactive. Not careless. Let’s be people who see the bigger picture and live like it matters.

We may not have much, but what we do have is enough—if we use it wisely.

The Lesson of Eternal Perspective

As we move deeper into the parable of the dishonest manager, Jesus shifts from story to teaching. Now He speaks directly to us, offering spiritual insight that goes beyond money.

Earthly Wealth Is Temporary but Powerful

In verse 9, Jesus says, “Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.” The phrase “unrighteous wealth” doesn’t mean evil money—it simply refers to earthly money, which is neutral but easily misused.

Money itself isn’t the issue. It’s how we use it that reveals our hearts. Jesus tells us to use it wisely—to invest in people, not possessions. Why? Because only relationships and eternal impact will follow us into the next life.

Eternal Dwellings: Lasting Impact

What are “eternal dwellings”? They represent the reward and welcome of heaven. When we use our resources to bless others, we build eternal friendships and plant seeds that outlive us. That’s true wealth.

The parable of the dishonest manager reminds us: the wise steward uses temporary tools for eternal purposes. We often work hard for comfort here. But are we preparing for the Kingdom to come?

Faithfulness in the Little Things

Verses 10–11 drive the point home. “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” This is where it gets personal. If we’re careless with what’s small — time, money, opportunities — why would God entrust us with eternal things?

Stewardship always reveals what we value. Do we treat our paycheck as a trust from God? Do we use our homes, meals, and talents to serve others and glorify Him?

Laying Up Treasure in Heaven

Jesus’ words echo Matthew 6:19–21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up treasures in heaven.” Where our treasure is, our heart follows. If we want our hearts fixed on eternity, we must direct our resources that way.

Practical Ways to Live This Out

So how do we live this lesson?

• Support missions that spread the gospel.
• Give generously to those in need.
• Practice hospitality with strangers and friends alike.
• Invest in young believers with time and encouragement.

In every case, we turn the temporary into something eternal. That’s the power of faithful stewardship — and the true meaning behind the parable of the dishonest manager.

Parables: The Mysteries of God’s Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told by John MacArthur

Heart Check: Serving God or Mammon

As the parable of the dishonest manager closes, Jesus leaves us with a direct challenge. In verses 12–13, He says, “No servant can serve two masters.” That’s not just a suggestion — it’s a line in the sand. Jesus uses the word “Mammon,” which means more than just money. It refers to wealth personified as a false god. It’s the idea that riches can rule our hearts, direct our decisions, and even shape our identity.

We can’t split our loyalty. We either serve God or serve Mammon. Jesus doesn’t leave room for a middle path. We may try to balance both, but eventually one will win. That’s why He speaks with such urgency. This isn’t just about how much money we have. It’s about what controls us. Are we led by God’s values or by worldly gain? Do we seek His Kingdom first—or do we chase comfort, status, and security?

The parable of the dishonest manager reminds us to pause and examine our hearts. Jesus doesn’t want a slice of our attention. He wants all of us—our time, our trust, our treasure. So let’s ask honestly: what master are we truly serving? Do our choices reflect faith in God or devotion to Mammon?

Every decision is a small act of worship. When we choose generosity over greed, contentment over comparison, and faith over fear—we declare who our Master is. Let’s choose wisely.

Key Themes and Takeaways

The parable of the dishonest manager isn’t just a lesson in cleverness — it’s a wake-up call for our hearts. Jesus highlights five key truths that still speak powerfully today.

First, stewardship matters. Everything we have—money, time, influence—is on loan from God. We’re managers, not owners.

Second, there’s urgency. The time to act with eternal priorities isn’t someday—it’s today. We don’t know how long we have.

Third, faithfulness in small things counts. God sees what we do with the little, and He tests our hearts through everyday decisions.

Fourth, Jesus gives us a Kingdom vision. Earthly riches aren’t the goal — they’re tools. Used wisely, they can lead others toward eternal life.

Finally, Jesus challenges our allegiance. We can’t serve both God and wealth. One will always take the throne of our heart.

So what does the parable of the dishonest manager reveal about us? Do we trust God more than money? Do we view our resources as tools for eternity? Are we living with heaven in mind?

Let’s allow this parable to search us. Then, let’s respond with a heart that’s fully surrendered — and hands ready to steward well.

The Call to Eternal Faithfulness

The parable of the dishonest manager is shocking—but also beautifully instructive. Jesus uses a worldly example to stir heavenly thinking. If a dishonest man planned for his future, how much more should we who live for eternity? Let’s be wise with what God has given. Let’s be generous with what won’t last. And let’s be faithful stewards—not for applause today, but for joy that never ends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Parable of the Dishonest Manager

1. Why did Jesus seem to praise a dishonest man? Jesus didn’t praise the dishonesty—He praised the manager’s shrewdness. The point is about wise, forward-thinking stewardship, not deceit.

2. What does “unrighteous wealth” mean in Luke 16:9? “Unrighteous wealth” refers to earthly money, which is morally neutral but often used selfishly. Jesus urges us to steward it wisely for eternal good.

3. What are “eternal dwellings” in the parable? “Eternal dwellings” represent heavenly rewards and relationships that last. Investing in people leads to fruit that endures beyond this life.

4. How does this parable relate to discipleship? The parable challenges us to live with Kingdom purpose. Discipleship involves managing our time, money, and influence with eternity in view.

5. Can we really serve both God and money? Jesus says we cannot. Our loyalty will always lean toward one or the other. The parable calls us to wholehearted allegiance to God.